UOC-KP in Europe appeals to Epifaniy for assistance
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate in Europe has expressed hope that Epifaniy will promote peace and understanding among Ukrainians abroad.
The newly formed Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) in Europe reached out to the head of the OCU, Epifaniy, with an open letter expressing concern over an "informational attack" and requesting help to halt a disinformation campaign against their religious organization. The letter was published on the official UOC-KP's in Europe Facebook page.
The letter states that certain individuals associated with the OCU have launched an information campaign which they believe involves slander and disinformation.
“This slander is based on distorted facts and unverified accusations, which significantly complicates our work,” the letter states. In particular, UOC-KP representatives highlighted accusations of alleged connections of their hierarchs to Russian organizations: “These statements are not only baseless but dangerous, as they deepen divisions among Ukrainian believers abroad.”
The letter also mentions instances of offensive remarks towards the UOC-KP from individuals linked with the OCU.
The UOC-KP in Europe, headed by “bishop” Volodymyr Chaika, drew a parallel between its structure and that of EpifaniyDumenko, noting that many Orthodox churches have yet to recognize the OCU. “We have no doubts about the canonicity of our hierarchy and actions, but we do not intend or consider it necessary to immediately raise the question of recognizing our Church, as this is a complex process and not timely,” the letter states. As with the OCU, the letter notes that the path to full recognition for both structures is a long-term goal.
The authors of the letter expressed their openness to dialogue and their belief that Epifaniy, as the spiritual leader of the OCU, could foster peace and mutual understanding among Ukrainians abroad, which, in turn, would bolster the Church’s position.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Filaret defrocked the “bishop” who founded the new version of the UOC-KP.
